Reuters have followed up on the rumoured Apple-Hyundai deal with some updated details from sources familiar with the matter. According to the news agency, both parties plan to sign a partnership agreement to develop autonomous electric cars by March this year, and production is expected to start around 2024 in the United States.
An initial report by Korea IT News on Sunday suggests that the companies plan to manufacture the cars at the Kia Motors (an affiliate of Hyundai) factory in Georgia, or invest jointly in establishing a new factory based in the US. In regards to the latter, it is said that the new plant is expected to produce 100,000 vehicles around 2024, with the full annual capacity to be at 400,000. The report added that Hyundai and Apple are planning to release a trial version of their alleged autonomous electric car in 2022.
Interestingly, the Korean website later released an updated version of their report which excluded certain details. According to Reuters, the redacted information included the production location and capacity, as well as the expected timeframe for signing the Apple-Hyundai agreement.
If you recall from our previous report, Hyundai initially confirmed that it is in the early stages of discussion with Apple to develop an electric car and its battery. However, the company would later update their statement by removing any mention of the iPhone maker, and reiterated that it has been receiving requests for potential cooperation from various companies.
(Source: Reuters)
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